CHRISTMAS shoppers in Hadleigh will be able to park for free on every Saturday in December.

The council hopes scrapping the charges, starting at 40p for the first hour and rising to 90p for three hours, at the council-run car park in Rectory Road will help bring more trade to the town.

Janina Lewis, of the Baytree Cafe, in Rectory Road, said: “This is a brilliant idea. It will allow people to come into Hadleigh and park free of charge, which will be a big help to them in the run-up to Christmas.

“It’s a difficult time for everyone, so we all sticking together.”

Joanne Chamberlian, assistant manager at Choices Discount Store, in Rectory Road, also approved. She said: “It’s not that expensive to park, but I still think it will be a good idea leading up to Christmas.”

Council leader Pam Challis raised the issue at the latest meeting of the council’s cabinet after it was suggested to her by a group of Hadleigh councillors, including Bill Sharp and Godfrey Isacs.

The cabinet voted unanimously to pass the measure.

Mrs Challis said: “Local businesses play an important role in our community, so we are keen to support them at this difficult time.

“This is good news for our residents too.

“By shopping locally, they can save money on fuel and are helping the environment.”

The decision comes in the wake of calls to introduce free parking in Canvey town centre.

The council-run car parks along Oak Road are already free and talks are ongoing with the owners of the car parks at the Haystack, Iceland and the Knightswick Centre. Mrs Challis said: “We, as a council, will attempt to encourage them to take the same action that we have taken.”